Pope Francis celebrates motherhood and praises all mothers

On Sunday 13 May, a day marked as Mothers’ Day in many countries across the world, Pope Francis called for an applause for all mothers.

Pope Francis was addressing these gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, Rome, after praying the midday Regina Coeli on the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension. The Regina Coeli prayer is recited in place of the Angelus during Eastertide, that is, the fifty-days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.

Pope Francis said, ‘Today, being the day dedicated to mothers in many countries, an applause for the mothers!’

The Holy Father continued, ‘I want to greet all mothers, thanking them for their custody of the family. I also remember all the mothers that watch us from Heaven and continue to protect us with their prayer.’

Pope Francis invited all present to ‘pray to our heavenly Mother that today, May 13, with the name Our Lady of Fatima, that may help us to continue on the way.’